Barrel Cam Brewing Device for Compact Coffee and Tea Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brewing devices for coffee or tea are not compact enough and lack reliable, easily controllable operation, leading to inefficiencies in beverage preparation.
Innovation Solution
A brewing device with a compact design featuring a barrel cam-driven closing mechanism, integrated cam followers, and an on-board electronic control system that ensures precise control and reduced complexity, allowing for efficient brewing cycles and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional cam drive with two disc cams mounted externally to guide plates is used, then motion transmission from motor to closing body is achieved, but the device structure becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plates and cam followers are integrated into a single unified component. The cam drive consists of only one disc cam mounted on the motor shaft, eliminating the need for separate guide plates and multiple cams. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliable motion control through the integrated design.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact brewing device design is implemented, then space efficiency is improved, but control precision and operational reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical control system is enhanced with an electronic control unit that receives signals from a sensor detecting the closing body's position. This substitution of pure mechanical control with an electromechanical system allows for compact dimensions while maintaining precise control through electronic sensing and feedback.
3Device complexity
If the cam drive components are integrated and reduced in number, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of manufacture and assembly may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The brewing device is divided into modular segments: a motor assembly with integrated cam drive, a brewing chamber, a closing body with integrated guide plates and cam followers, and an electronic control module. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete device, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compact brewing device achieves reliable and controllable operation with reduced complexity, enhancing the efficiency of beverage preparation and enabling easier integration with various beverage preparation machines.
Implementation Method 1
The cam drive that transmits motion from the motor to the closing body comprises two disc cams mounted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 2
a seal member arranged between the closing body and the brewing chamber and configured to define a sealing interface with the brewing chamber
Implementation Method 3
an on-board electronic control system configured to control a movement of the closing body
Data Source
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AI summary
A brewing device for a machine for preparing beverages, in particular coffee or tea, the brewing device comprising a frame, a brewing chamber provided with an opening through which a material to be brewed may be loaded and discharged, a closing body movable away from and towards a sealed closing position in which the closing body sealingly closes the opening of the brewing chamber and comprising two guide plates mounted to rotate and translate with respect to respective fulcrum pins carried by the frame. The closing body is actuated by an actuating device comprising a cam drive, which comprises two first tracks arranged on respective guide plates on the side facing the brewing chamber, a barrel cam mounted coaxial to the brewing chamber and defining a second track, and two cam followers that extend between the second track and a respective first track to move the respective guide plate in response to a rotation of the barrel cam.